Kush League operates as a sports-themed cannabis brand under The 1937 Group, Illinois' award-winning vertically-integrated cannabis company. The brand offers a comprehensive product lineup including unique flower strains, pre-rolls, innovative edibles, cannabinoid-infused topicals for muscle relief, and planned future beverages.What sets Kush League apart is its athlete-focused formulations, featuring rosin-infused edibles enhanced with vitamins C and B12, plus solventless hash rosin for full-spectrum effects. The brand partners with Michelin-rated restaurant groups to ensure premium ingredient quality, creating "rosin true chews" that stand apart from traditional gummies.Their signature packaging pays homage to sneaker culture with "Mini Shoe Box" flower containers designed to deliver an unboxing experience reminiscent of opening new kicks. Available throughout Illinois' extensive dispensary network, Kush League products are distributed through over 180 retail locations. The brand also features a planned flagship retail store in Chicago, designed to rival iconic destinations like Nike stores, complete with a basketball court for an immersive brand experience.
Kush League launched in 2022 as a minority-owned, Chicago-based cannabis brand with a revolutionary vision: to merge sports culture with cannabis wellness. Founded by Alex Al-Sabah, a former college basketball player with over two decades of cannabis industry experience, the brand emerged from his personal journey of using cannabis to manage ADHD and enhance athletic performance.Al-Sabah's cannabis journey began in 2002 as a cultivator in California, later co-founding The 1937 Group, which became one of the largest ancillary cannabis businesses and achieved a successful IPO in 2015. The brand officially debuted at the KVL International Flower Ball in Chicago in November 2022, marking a pivotal moment in sports-cannabis integration.As part of The 1937 Group's portfolio, Kush League has grown rapidly, with the parent company now serving over 180 of Illinois' 215-220 legal cannabis retailers. The brand represents a cultural shift, timing its launch perfectly as high-profile athletes like Kevin Durant and Sha'Carri Richardson openly discuss cannabis use, helping normalize its role in athletic wellness and recovery.
Kush League's mission is clear: to break down the stigma surrounding cannabis use among athletes while positioning themselves as a sports brand first, cannabis brand second. The brand aims to raise consumer spirits and provide inspiration for personal achievement and self-validation through individual empowerment.They believe cannabis should be normalized as a daily supplement, similar to a vitamin, offering therapeutic benefits for recovery and wellness. Their focus on research and development aims to tailor products to individual needs, showcasing cannabinoids beyond just THC, with upcoming drops like THC-V blends for enhanced focus without psychoactive effects.As part of The 1937 Group's broader mission, Kush League views cannabis as "more than just a product; it is a transformative tool for healing, opportunity, and equity." The brand champions social responsibility through its parent company's 501(c)(3) non-profit, The 1937 Foundation, supporting community empowerment and social equity initiatives.
What makes Kush League special is their authentic approach to bridging two worlds that were once seen as incompatible. This isn't just marketing—it's a brand built by athletes, for athletes, with real understanding of how cannabis can enhance performance and recovery.Their commitment to quality ingredients and innovative formulations, like vitamin-enhanced rosin edibles, shows they're serious about wellness, not just recreation. The sneaker-inspired packaging and planned flagship store demonstrate creative branding that resonates with their target audience.For deal-seekers on Calm Effect, Kush League represents premium value—you're getting thoughtfully crafted products from a minority-owned business that's reshaping cannabis culture. Their rapid growth and distribution across 180+ Illinois dispensaries means consistent availability and competitive pricing. Plus, supporting Kush League means backing a brand that's actively working to normalize cannabis in sports and promote social equity through meaningful community initiatives.